Who are these true holders of wisdom and experience? These people hold the title of warrant officer. These are specialized experts in their field. They pretty much make up the technical foundation of the military branches, especially in the Army and Navy. Their careers may be in engineering, military police, aviation, or other selected fields. These are polished and professional officers, and for most, their careers began as enlisted soldiers or even as officers. Their guidance and leadership is second to none.
Becoming a Warrant Officer
Those who want to become warrant officers must be selected for warrant officer candidate school. The Army requires a candidate to be an E6 or higher. However, there is no minimum rank requirement for aviation. The school is designed to assess candidates’ potential for the appointment to warrant officer. The course mainly focuses on advanced leadership. You must complete all MOS training and non-commissioned education leadership courses. You must possess documented proficiency in your specialized area. But the most important part of being a warrant officer in the military is showing that you have the ability to be a leader, problem solver, and role model to the enlisted soldiers you lead.
Their Importance
The importance of a great warrant officer in any unit is tremendous. They have the skills and experience that most new officers have because they were enlisted soldiers first. Their area of expertise is followed by the knowledge of their selected field. I have served with warrant officers and worked side-by-side with them daily. They seem to be the constant professional, and I have had the opportunity to work with many in both the Navy and Army. The Army and Navy rely heavily on their warrant officers to train the enlisted and officers they are assigned to. These are very hard workers that won’t hesitate to lend a hand or jump in and complete any task. They’re unlike others who will just pass on orders and say “get it done.” They will assist and be right there through the completion and execution of any task.
Who Is the Best
Who is the best? I will pick two; the first warrant officer that I feel is the best (and this comes from first-hand experience) is the Army helicopter warrant officers. The program itself is more than difficult. The amount of training flight hours and amount of in-class education required leads to the best helicopter pilots in the world. I spent over a year in Afghanistan working with them hand-in-hand, and every time, that phone rang for a mission before I even knocked on the door. They would be up and ready and ask, “where is it at.” From an EOD standpoint, they’re more than vital. They got me on scene to assist my soldiers in completing their duties, but then I was off to the next one or I headed back. Of course, at times we would barely get back and the phone would ring again. They were always ready! The Apache pilots have saved my six in many occasions in combat, taking out an enemy attack. These are the best of the best!
The Navy “boatswain” warrant officer is the other one I will pick. They have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. We are talking about a professional who must know the ins and outs of an entire ship. It seems like every navy “boats” I met was like 6’6” and weighed a stout 250lbs. He could move the ship by himself. I learned a lot about shipboard operation and earned my ESWS due to the help of a Navy warrant officer. I myself have nothing but sheer gratitude and respect for every warrant officer in the military. Not only do you deserve my salute, you earned it. Thank you all for your commitment to your country, your unit, and your soldiers. You’re true leaders and professionals in every way.
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